Starting with the Black Cat Riots, the film covers Stonewall, the disco sexual revolution, the AIDS crisis, marriage equality, and the trans movement to present day.

Directed by Billy Clift and produced by Emmy-nominated producer David Millbern, A LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM: The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years is set to premiere at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills on Thursday, July 19, 2018 benefiting Outfest Los Angeles.

After its festival run, the film will premiere on Here TV followed by a 20-city theatrical release.

“The process of creating this project was twofold: to watch its journey and the journey I took personally,” says director Billy Clift. “If it changed me, it will change audiences as well. The documentary helped me learn more about the many steps taken to accomplish the great strides we all benefit from today. I give thanks and feel so honored to work alongside the amazing team at Here TV.”

A LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM: The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years was executive produced by Paul Colichman and Stephen P. Jarchow, who have produced and distributed over 200 films and series including Academy Award-winners “Gods and Monsters” and “Departures.” Malachy Wienges, Chairman Emeritus at The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, is also attached as an executive producer.

“This film celebrates the shoulders that we all stand upon in furthering LGBTQ rights and documents our long and successful journey. We’ve come a long way, but we’ve still got a long way to go.” – David Millbern.

A LONG ROAD TO FREEDOM: The Advocate Celebrates 50 Years is a call to action for all minorities (Black Lives Matter, Women, etc) to fight for the same rights. SAME FIGHT, SAME RIGHTS!

Here TV (www.heretv.com) launched in 2004, making it the world’s first SVOD LGBTQ+ video service and is available on all major US cable operators including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cablevision, FiOS, U-Verse, Cox, as well as Amazon, Roku and the Here TV app (www.here.tv) where it can be viewed on all iOS and Android mobile devices. Here TV reaches millions of viewers each month and has produced Academy award-winning films in addition to receiving three Daytime Emmy Award nominations.